When the primary objective of a self-defence training is to help you protect yourself from violent assault, a core component of the training should be on the psychology and process of victim identification and assault initiation.

Use of out highly effective physical tactics, can save your life  but it’s best to avoid any situation in which you would need to use them.

So an understanding of the psychology and stages of violent behaviour is just as important as your physical self defence tactics.

This is the difference the make the difference

Assault very rarely occurs  ‘out of nowhere’, and if you learn to recognise the warning signals that typically occur, you’re better prepared to escape a dangerous situation in one piece.

The violent behaviour portion of self-defence training should include information on:

• Body Language and Environment – Your body language and your behavior or fit with a particular environment sends signals to those around you, as does the body language of a potential attacker. When you know the key body language and environment ‘attraction factors’ you can consciously act   so you don’t show up on the bad guys ‘radar’

• Attack Initiation – If an assailant has targeted you, he will often  try to approach you, talk with you, distract you or isolate you . It’s not too late to avoid assault if this happens to you, but you must recognise it for what it is and get out of the situation.

The understanding of how to deal with these verbal and postural ‘initiators’ is critical. But even more critical is the development a a habit and approach that is socially accessible so it just becomes part of you every day instinctive behaviour.

• Attack Escalation – Immediate leaving the location of a situation is always the best option,  but you still have a chance of avoiding assault if you recognise and effectively handle an escalating situation. By studying the psychology of aggression , you’ll immediately notice the warning signs of an impending attack-and know effective strategies for diffusing the attacker.

The hand-to-hand combat tactics  you learn in self-defence training are only a last resort for protecting yourself in real life situations. By also providing you with knowledge on the psychology of aggression and violent behaviour, a self-defence class teaches you the art of avoiding and diffusing attackers before they launch a violent physical assault.

And finally the going full circle when you understand these distinctions, you body language and behaviours changes making you less ‘attractive’ to a potential attacker.

So in summary getting the Psychology right can prevent a situation from ever happening in the first place

Stay Aware and Safe